Modular ear-piece/microphone (headset) operable to service voice activated commands

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a modular headset operable to support both voice communications and voice activated commands. This may involve the use of multiple voice CODECs to process voice communications and voice activated commands. The modular headset includes both a microphone and wireless earpiece. The earpiece may further include an interface, a processing circuit, a speaker, a user interface, a pairing circuit, and a registration circuit. The interface allows the earpiece to communicate with the base unit that couples the modular headset to a servicing network. This coupling to the servicing network and base unit only occurs when the headset is successfully registered to the base unit. The pairing circuit and registration circuit allow the exchange of pairing or registration information between various components. The pairing circuit allows the wireless earpiece and microphone to exchange pairing information which is then compared to determine whether or not a successful pairing can be achieved. Analog to digital converts (ADCs), which may be located within either the microphone or earpiece are operable to process the transduced voice communications in accordance with either a voice CODEC or voice recognition CODEC depending on the selected mode of operation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is related to the following applications: applicationSer. No. 10/981,418 entitled “UNIVERSAL WIRELESS MULTIMEDIA DEVICE,” byNambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on Nov, 4, 2004, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,430 entitled“PROVIDING A UNIVERSAL WIRELESS HEADSET,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, etal., filed May 28, 2004 which claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) toProvisional Application No. 60/473,967 filed on May 28, 2003; andapplication Ser. No. 10/981,418 is also a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 10/856,124 filed May 28, 2004 which claims priorityunder 35 USC § 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/473,675 filedMay 28, 2003; application Ser. No. 10/976,300 entitled “MODULAR WIRELESSMULTIMEDIA DEVICE,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on Oct. 27,2004, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,124entitled “MODULAR WIRELESS HEADSET AND/OR HEADPHONES,” filed May 28,2004 which claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to ProvisionalApplication No. 60/473,675, filed on May 28, 2003; and application Ser.No. 10/976,300 is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/856,430 filed May 28, 2004 which claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/473,967 filed May 28, 2003;application Ser. No. 11/120,765 entitled “MODULAR EARPIECE/MICROPHONETHAT ANCHORS VOICE COMMUNICATIONS,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al.,filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) toProvisional Application No. 60/656,828 filed on Feb. 25, 2005;application Ser. No. 11/122,146 entitled “HANDOVER OF CALL SERVICED BYMODULAR EARPIECE/MICROPHONE BETWEEN SERVICING BASE PORTIONS,” byNambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priorityunder 35 USC § 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/653,234 filed onFeb. 15, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,903 entitled “BATTERYMANAGEMENT IN A MODULAR EARPIECE MICROPHONE COMBINATION,” by NambirajanSeshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35USC § 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/646,270 filed on Jan. 24,2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,904 entitled “PAIRING MODULAR WIRELESSEARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) TO A SERVICED BASE PORTION AND SUBSEQUENTACCESS THERETO,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005,which claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/646,437 filed on Jan. 24, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,902entitled “MANAGING ACCESS OF MODULAR WIRELESS EARPIECE/MICROPHONE(HEADSET) TO PUBLIC/PRIVATE SERVICING BASE STATION,” by NambirajanSeshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35USC § 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/646,235 filed on Jan. 24,2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,676 entitled “EARPIECE/MICROPHONE(HEADSET) SERVICING MULTIPLE INCOMING AUDIO STREAMS,” by NambirajanSeshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35USC § 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/646,272 filed on Jan. 24,2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,455entitled “INTEGRATED AND DETACHABLEWIRELESS HEADSET ELEMENT FOR CELLULAR/MOBILE/PORTABLE PHONES AND AUDIOPLAYBACK DEVICES,” by Josephus A. Van Engelen, et al., filed on May 3,2005, which claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to ProvisionalApplication No. 60/646,465 filed on Jan. 24, 2005, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to wireless communications and moreparticularly to the servicing of voice activated commands within amodular headset operable to support voice communications.

2. Background of the Invention

Wireless communications offer users the ability to be “wired” fromalmost anywhere in the world. Cellular telephones, satellite telephones,wireless local area networks, personal digital assistants (PDAs) withradio frequency (RF) interfaces, laptop computers with RF interfaces andother such devices enable these wireless communications. Such wirelesscommunications have been extended to personal wireless networks, such asthese defined by the Bluetooth specification. Not only have cellulartelephones become very popular, but Wireless Local Area Networking(WLAN) devices have also proliferated. One standard for wirelessnetworking, which has been widely accepted, is the Specification of theBluetooth System, v. 1.0 (“Bluetooth Specification”).

The Bluetooth Specification enables the creation of small personal areanetworks (PAN's) where the typical operating range of a device is 100meters or less. In a Bluetooth system, Bluetooth devices sharing acommon channel sequence form a piconet. Two or more piconets co-locatedin the same area, with or without inter-piconet communications, is knownas a scatternet.

The Bluetooth Specification supports voice communications betweenBluetooth enabled devices. When a pair of Bluetooth devices supportsvoice communication, the voice communications must be wirelesslysupported in a continuous fashion so that carried voice signals are ofan acceptable quality. One popular use of personal wireless networkscouples a wireless headset(s) with cellular telephone(s), personalcomputer(s), and laptop(s), etc. The Bluetooth Specification providesspecific guidelines for providing such wireless headset functionality.Additionally, pairing and registration protocols are desirable tomaintain privacy and security.

Bluetooth provides a headset profile that defines protocols andprocedures for implementing a wireless headset to a device privatenetwork. Once configured, the headset functions as the device's audioinput and output. As further defined by the Bluetooth Specification, theheadset must be able to send AT (Attention) commands and receiveresulting codes, such that the headset can initiate and terminate calls.The Bluetooth Specification also defines certain headset profilerestrictions. These restrictions include an assumption that the ultimateheadset is assumed to be the only use case active between the twodevices. The transmission of audio is based on continuously variableslope delta (CVSD) modulation. The result is monophonic audio of aquality without perceived audio degradation. Only one audio connectionat a time is supported between the headset and audio gateway. The audiogateway controls the synchronous connection orientated (SCO) linkestablishment and release. The headset directly connects and disconnectsthe internal audio stream upon SCO link establishment and release. Oncethe link is established, valid speech exists on the SCO link in bothdirections. The headset profile offers only basic inoperability suchthat the handling of multiple calls or enhanced call functions at theaudio gateway is not supported. Another limitation relates to the mannerwhich Bluetooth devices service only single channel audiocommunications. In most cases, the Bluetooth device is simply areplacement for a wired headset. Such a use of the Bluetooth device,while providing benefits in mobility of the user, provides littleadditional benefit over wired devices. In fact, privacy and securityassociated with these devices can be less than that offered by wireddevices. Because wired solutions provide many current Bluetooth devices,that service voice communications, the use of such devices may bequestioned.

Thus, there is a need for improved security and privacy operations byWLAN devices servicing audio or multimedia communications that provideadditional user functionality and improved service quality.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methodsthat are further described in the following description and claims.Other features and advantages and features of embodiments of the presentinvention may become apparent from the description, accompanyingdrawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless headset in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of another modular wireless headset in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a wireless headset operable to couple to variousdevices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a multi-channel wireless headset inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an access point in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of wireless earpiece in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a wireless microphone inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless microphone inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless microphone inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a wireless headsetin performing call management;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a modular communication device in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a logic diagram of a method for servicing voice communicationwith a headset in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a logic diagram of a method for servicing voice communicationwith a headset in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a modular wireless headset 10 wirelessly coupledto base unit 16 that includes wireless earpiece 12 and wirelessmicrophone 14. Wireless earpiece 12 communicates wirelessly withmicrophone 14. However, wireless earpiece 12 and wireless microphone 14may also physically couple to exchange information establishing trustedpair relationships or establish an alternate communication pathway.Accordingly, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may be separate communicationdevices. A shaped battery may be used as the framework of the headsetand removably couple to earpiece 12. Those devices may individuallycommunicate with base unit 16 via separate communication pathways orthrough a single wireless interface contained either in the earpiece ormicrophone. As shown, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may both communicatewith base unit 16, which may be a cellular telephone, wire linetelephone, laptop computer, personal computer, personal digitalassistant, etc., using transceiver (transmitter and/or receiver) 13 ofFIG. 2 via a first communication pathway 18. Base unit 16 may alsodirectly couple the headset to voice communication networks such asradio, cellular, wireless voice or packet data, public switchedtelephone networks (PSTN), private branch exchanges or others known tothose skilled in the art.

Although shown as being external to earpiece 12, transceivers 13 and 15may be integrated within earpiece 12 and microphone 14. Base unit 16 isoperable to establish a wireless pathway to earpiece 12 and/ormicrophone 14. This pathway may be direct or via another wirelesscomponent and pathway, such as pathway 21. For example, wirelessmicrophone 14 may communicate via base unit 16 through a wirelesspathway between earpiece 12 and base unit 16. Similarly, wirelessearpiece 12 could communicate with base unit 16 through wirelessmicrophone 14. Microphone 14 may communicate with the base unit 16 orearpiece 12 using transceiver (or transmitter) 15 of FIG. 2 viacommunication pathway 20 or 21, respectively. Either or both earpiece 12and microphone 14 may have a user interface 22. If the communicationpathways are established in accordance with the Bluetooth specification,communication resources 18, 20, and 21 may be different timeslotallocations on the same synchronous connection orientated (SCO) link, ormay be separate SCO links.

Earpiece 12 and microphone 14 both contain a pairing circuit. Thesepairing circuits are operable to pair the wireless earpiece andmicrophone when pairing information associated with the individualearpiece 12 and microphone 14 compare favorably. If the pairinginformation associated with the individual earpiece 12 and microphone 14compares unfavorably, these individual components may not pair to form amodular wireless headset. Pairing allows the microphone and earpiece,after the wireless earpiece and microphone are successfully paired, toestablish a wireless connection between them. Also in the event that oneof the modular components needs to be added or replaced to the modularwireless headset 10, this component would have to pair to the othercomponents present.

Pairing quite simply is the act of introducing two wireless devices toone another so that they can then communicate. Pairing enables the twoor more wireless devices to join and become a trusted pair. Within atrusted pair, each device recognizes the other device(s). Then, eachdevice can automatically accept communication and bypass the discoveryand authentication process that normally happen during an initialwireless interaction between devices. Once the trusted pair isestablished, some embodiments may require user authentication beforeother devices are allowed to enter into the trusted pair. This prevents,for example, a second wireless earpiece, not of the trusted pair, fromestablishing communications with wireless headset 10. This could resultin an untrusted earpiece eavesdropping on the voice communicationserviced by modular wireless headset 10. Thus, pairing enables securityand privacy for voice communications serviced by modular wirelessheadset 10. Additionally, some embodiments may only pair when adiscoverability function associated with the wireless device is enabled.For example, the device may pair when physically coupled or when a usertoggles a pairing switch located on user interface 22. When thediscoverability/pairing function is not enabled, the wireless deviceswill not accept communications from unknown devices.

Standards such as the 802.11 standard may specify a common medium accesscontrol (MAC) Layer, operable to provide a variety of functions thatsupport the operation wireless local area networks (LANs). In general,the MAC Layer manages and maintains communications between wirelesscomponents (i.e. radio network cards and access points) by coordinatingaccess to a shared radio channel and utilizing protocols that enhancecommunications over a wireless medium. Often viewed as the “brains” ofthe network, the MAC Layer may use a Physical (PHY) Layer, such as802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b or 802.11a, to perform the tasks of carriersensing, transmission, and receiving of frames. The pairing andregistration circuits may implement MAC layer security with softwarecode executed within the various wireless components. For example, theauthentication process of proving identity specified by the 802.11standard includes two forms: Open system authentication and shared keyauthentication. Open system authentication is mandatory, and it's a twostep process. A network interface card (NIC) first initiates the processby sending an authentication request frame to the access point or basestation. The access point or base station replies with an authenticationresponse frame containing approval or disapproval of authentication.Shared key authentication is an optional four step process that basesauthentication on whether the authenticating device has the correct WEP(wired equivalent privacy) key. The wireless NIC starts by sending anauthentication request frame to the access point. The access point orbase station then places challenge text into the frame body of aresponse frame and sends it to the radio NIC. The radio NIC uses its WEPkey to encrypt the challenge text and then sends it back to the accesspoint or base station in another authentication frame. The access pointor base station decrypts the challenge text and compares it to theinitial text. If the text is equivalent, then the access point assumesthat the radio NIC has the correct key. The access point finishes thesequence by sending an authentication frame to the radio NIC with theapproval or disapproval.

Once authenticated, the radio NIC must associate with the access pointor base station before sending data frames. Association is necessary tosynchronize the radio NIC and access point or base station withimportant information, such as supported data rates. The radio NICinitiates the association by sending an association request framecontaining elements such as SSID and supported data rates. The accesspoint responds by sending an association response frame containing anassociation ID along with other information regarding the access point.Once the radio NIC and access point complete the association process,they can send data frames to each other.

User interface 22 may also allow a user to initiate call functions ornetwork hardware operations. These call functions include callinitiation operations, call conferencing operations, call forwardingoperations, call hold operations, call muting operations, and callwaiting operations. Additionally, user interface 22 allows the user toaccess network interface functions, hardware functions, base unitinterface functions, directory functions, caller ID functions, voiceactivated commands, playback commands and device programming functions.User interface 22 can be any combinations of a visual interface asevidenced by display 24, tactile interface as evidenced by buttons 26,and/or an audio interface.

Each of these devices, earpiece 12, microphone 14 and base unit 16, maysupport one or more versions of the Bluetooth Specification or otherwireless protocols. A Bluetooth “scatternet” is formed from multiple“piconets” with overlapping coverage. A user of modular wireless headset10 may establish communications with any available base unit 16.Wireless headset 10 may have a minimal user interface 22 where a singleauthenticate or register button initiates registration. Modular wirelessheadset 10 includes a registration circuit. This registration circuitneeds to reside in either or both the wireless microphone and wirelessearpiece. The registration circuit receives and exchanges registrationinformation with base unit 16. Once this information is exchanged, themodular wireless headset, as well as base unit 16, compares theirregistration information with the exchanged information to determinewhether or not modular wireless headset 10 is authorized to use baseunit 16. Authorization will occur when the registration informationwithin the modular wireless headset compares favorably to that of thebase unit. This may involve accessing a third-party database in order toconfirm where the base unit establishes communications between aservicing network, such as a cellular or public switch telephone network(PSTN) network, or a local authentication via a local database that maycompare biometric, password user interface, VRS voice patternrecognition, encryption key/Donegal, in order to allow modular wirelessheadset 10 to access resources available through base unit 16.

Registration may determine what resources the headset may access. Forexample, access may be granted to an available one cellular network butnot a wireless packet data network. Registration may require physicallycoupling modular wireless headset 10 to base unit 16 or establishingwireless communications. In the case where wireless communications areestablished, this may require additional user input or proximity testingto authenticate and register the modular wireless headset to the baseunit. The base unit, as well as the modular wireless headset, may accessmemory either local or via server or network to validate theregistration information associated with the other component. Thus, boththe base unit needs to compare the registration information and resultin a favorable comparison, as well as the modular wireless headsetcomparing the registration information in order to result in a favorablecomparison. For example, where fees are required for access, the usermay not authenticate registration to avoid the fee. Registration allowscommunications to be automatically exchanged between the modularwireless headset and the base unit. This improves both security andprivacy for communications serviced using the modular wireless headset.

Wireless headset 10 may reside within the service coverage area ofmultiple base units. Thus, when headset 10 enters (or powers up in) anarea with more than one functioning wireless network, a user may depressauthenticate button 26, use a voice command or other means to start theauthentication/registration process. With the button depressed, thewireless headset attempts to establish communications with base unit 16.Subsequent authentication operations are required to have the wirelessheadset join the selected network. These subsequent operations mayinclude prompting the user for selection of the network, requiring thatan entry be previously made in an access list to allow wireless headset10 to join or otherwise complete the authentication operations(registration).

Once wireless headset 10 joins a respective network, headset 10 mayservice voice communications with the base unit via respective WLANlinks. Such calls will be received and managed by base unit 16 orheadset 10. Management duties for the calls may be divided between baseunit 16 and headset 10. For example, upper level portions of thecellular protocol stack may be supported by the headset while the lowerlevel portions are supported by the base unit. Integrated circuits ineither headset 10 or base unit 16 support call functions. These callfunctions include, but are not limited to, call initiation andtermination, call conferencing operations, call forwarding operations,call hold operations, call muting operations, or call waitingoperations, and may be initiated through user interface 22.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a modular wireless headset that includes earpiece12, microphone 14. This headset may also include display/camera 17, andportable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 to support net-meetings. Microphone14, earpiece 12, display/camera 17 and portable touch-screen/whiteboard19 may each be a separate physical device that communicates wirelesslywhen paired to form a modular wireless headset. Earpiece 12 is aseparate device from microphone 14, that together function to providethe modular wireless headset shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, earpiece 12,microphone 14, display/camera 17, and a portable touch-screen/whiteboard19 are separate communication devices that may individually communicatewith base units via separate or shared communication pathways. A singlecommunication pathway using time division may be used to communicatebetween earpiece 12, microphone 14, display/camera 17, portabletouch-screen/whiteboard 19 and base units (base units 30-37 or accesspoint 21). These communications are secured by both pairing andregistration. Encryption, validation, or other like methods known tothose skilled in the art may also be used and support one-way or two-wayaudio, video or text communications. One way communications allow theheadset to act as receivers to broadcast information, while two-waycommunications allow real-time voice communications, such as phone orradio communications, which may be augmented with data, text and videoto support interactive net-meetings.

Earpiece 12, once paired to form a modular wireless headset andregistered to a base unit, may automatically communicate with base unit16 and attached resources. FIG. 3 depicts those resources as a cellulartelephone network, wire line telephone, Ethernet telephone, laptopcomputer, personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc, usingtransceiver (or receiver) 13 via a first communication pathways 18. Baseunit 16 may establish a wireless pathway to earpiece 12 or microphone14. The microphone 14, once authorized or validated, may communicatewith the base unit 16 using transceiver (or transmitter) 15 via a secondcommunication pathway 20 or by sharing communication pathway 18 withearpiece 12. Display/camera 17 and portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19may communicate with the base unit 16 using transceivers (receiversand/or transmitters) 25 and 27 via communication pathways 21 and 23,respectively, or by relaying communications through another wirelesscomponent.

If the communication pathways are established in accordance with theBluetooth specification, communication resources may be differenttimeslot allocations on the same synchronous connection orientated (SCO)link, or may be separate SCO links. These communication pathways may besecured by encryption, validation, pairing, or other like means tosecure the communications exchanged with the base unit. Validation orpairing may prevent unauthorized devices from communicatively couplingto the base unit.

The quality of data provided to these devices may be adjusted accordingto which devices are actually present and supported. For example, audioquality can be improved and may even support stereo (multi-channelaudio). This option may limit resources provided to microphone 14,display/camera 17, or whiteboard 19 to service multi-channel audio.Another example may favor the use of only earphone 12 and display/camera17 to render streamed video and audio content. To coordinate thepresentation of both audio and video in such an example, earphone 12 anddisplay/camera 17 and their received communications may be synchronizedto provide a quality viewing experience. Similarly, to coordinate thepresentation of multiple audio channels, earphones 12 may besynchronized in order to provide a quality experience. To coordinate thepresentation of real-time two-way audio earphones 12 and microphone 14may be synchronized such that unacceptable delays do not exist withinexchanged voice communications. This coordination ensures there is noundue delay between the presentations provided by these individualdevices allowing the user to perceive a seamless presentation. Thisembodiment allows the multimedia device to support net-meetings thatrequire the delivery of complete Internet conferencing solutions withmulti-point data conferencing, text chat, whiteboard, and file transfer,as well as point-to-point audio and video. Additionally, this allows themultimedia device to coordinate the presentation of these differentmedia formats without necessarily requiring shared physical connectionsof these devices.

Direct connectivity previously limited the physical structure that couldbe used for a wireless headset to support net-meetings. In many cases,this results in headsets that are cumbersome to use and uncomfortable towear. The protocol used between modular components (base units, hostdevices, access points and other communicatively coupled devices) mayallow the base unit to send data to each device in a coordinated mannerthat allows for the synchronized presentation of multimedia content bythe devices. Alternatively, the information may be supplied to onecomponent and then distributed within the trusted pair devices that makeup the modular wireless headset. For example, one embodiment mayallocate a predetermined portion of each data transmission for eachmedia format. This would allow base unit 16 to transmit the same data toeach device, wherein each device only processes that content intendedfor that device. In another embodiment, base unit or access pointcommunicates in parallel with each device. By coordinating the data orpackets exchanged with the devices, their individual presentations maybe synchronized.

Earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may have on-chip operations to supportcall conferencing, call waiting, flash, and other features associatedwith telephones or net-meetings. These functions may me accessed andreviewed by a user interface and display within the base unit or a userinterface and display located on or coupled to either earphone 12 ormicrophone 14. The user interface and display, located on or coupled toeither the base unit or earphone 12 or microphone 14 may have a displayand button(s) that may be used to program device, perform directoryfunctions including selecting number to call, view caller ID, initiatecall waiting, or initiate call conferencing. Additionally, circuitrywithin earphone 12 or microphone 14 may enable voice activated dialing.The actual voice recognition could be performed within earphone 12,microphone 14, or a base unit. Thus, earphone 12 or microphone 14 mayact to initiate calls and receive calls. A link between earphone 12 andmicrophone 14 would allow earphone 12 or microphone 14 to shareresources, such as batter life, and allow earphone 12 or microphone 14to be recharged from a base unit.

Each of the devices 30-37 also includes piconet RF interface 38 and/orwireless interface 39. Piconet RF interface 38 may be constructed tosupport one or more versions of the Bluetooth specification. As such,each of the piconet RF interfaces 38-36 include a radio frequencytransceiver that operates at 2.4 gigahertz and baseband processing formodulating and demodulating data that is transceived within a piconet.As such, wireless headset 10 may be wirelessly coupled with any one ofthe devices 30-37 and act as the headset communicatively coupled andregistered to the devices 30-37.

Devices 30-37 may further include a wireless LAN (WLAN) RF interface 39.The wireless LAN RF interfaces 39 may be constructed in accordance withone or more versions of IEEE802.11 (a), (b), and/or (g) or other WLANprotocol known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, each of theWLAN RF interfaces 39 include an RF transceiver that may operate in the2.4 gigahertz range and/or in the 5.25 or 5.75 gigahertz range andfurther includes baseband processing to modulate and demodulate datathat is transceived over the corresponding wireless communication link.

Contrasting the functionality of the piconet RF interfaces with the WLANRF interfaces, piconet RF interfaces allow point-to-point communicationbetween the associated devices, while the WLAN RF interfaces enable theassociated devices to communicate indirectly via base units. Forexample, via piconet RF interfaces 38 laptop 34 can communicate directlywith cellular telephone 36. In contrast, via WLAN RF interfaces 39,laptop 34 communicates indirectly, via access point 21, with cellulartelephone 36. In general, the coverage area of a piconet issignificantly smaller than the coverage area of a WLAN. Thus, forexample, if headset 10 and cellular telephone 36 were unable toestablish a piconet connection via piconet RF interfaces 38 due todistance between the devices. These devices would be able to establish awireless communication link via the WLAN RF interfaces 39 and accesspoint 21. Dual communication pathways allow communications to beswitched between pathways, dependent on factors such as audio quality,signal strength, and available bandwidth.

Wireless headset 10 may establish a piconet with any one of the devices30-37 or with access point 21, which includes WLAN RF interface 39 andpiconet RF interface 38. As such, wireless headset 10 may function asthe headset for wire line telephone 37, Ethernet telephone 35, personaldigital assistant 30, personal computer 32, laptop computer 34 and/orcellular telephone 36 provided a piconet and registration can beestablished with the device. In accordance with the present invention,if a piconet cannot be established with the particular device, anextended network may be created utilizing the WLAN connectivity and atleast one corresponding piconet.

If voice communications are to be serviced via wire line telephone 37(i.e., the base unit for this example), but headset 10 is at a distancesuch that a piconet cannot be established between their piconet RFinterfaces, and headset 10 is in a range to establish a piconet withcellular telephone 36, the piconet RF interfaces of cellular telephone36 and headset 10, respectively, would establish a piconet, which may beestablished in accordance with the Bluetooth specification. With thispiconet established, cellular telephone 36, via its WLAN RF interface,establishes a wireless connection with access point 21. Access point 21then establishes a communication link with wire line telephone 37. Thus,a logical connection is established between headset 10 and wire linetelephone 37 via cellular telephone 36 and access point 21. Note thatwire line telephone 37 may be directly coupled to LAN 50 or coupled to aprivate branch exchange (PBX), which in turn is coupled to access point21. Accordingly, within a wireless geographic area, the range of headset10 may be extended utilizing the WLAN within the geographic area. Assuch, headset 10 extends the mobility of its user, extends the range ofheadset use and expands on headset functionality while preservingprivacy and security by seeking service from base units to which it maybe registered. Alternatively, headset 10 may establish a piconet withcell phone 36. This allows cell phone 36 to establish an alternatecommunication pathway for the communications serviced by wired telephone37. Then it is possible for the call serviced by telephone 37 or 35 tobe “handed off” to cellular telephone 36.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a modular wireless headset10 that includes two earpieces 12A and 12B, microphone 14, and userinterface 22. In this configuration, microphone 14 communicates withbase unit 16 via communication pathway 20, earpiece 12A communicateswith base unit 16 using transceiver (or receiver) 13A via communicationpathway 18 and earpiece 12B communicates with base unit 16 usingtransceiver (or receiver) 13B via communication pathway 32.Alternatively, earpieces 12A and 12B, and microphone 14 may establish apiconet and communicate with base unit 16 via a single communicationpathway.

In operation, voice produced by the individual using microphone 14 isreceived via a microphone transducer and converted into RF signals bycircuitry within microphone 14, as shown in FIG. 7. These RF signals areprovided to base unit 16 via the previously identified communicationpathways. Base unit 16 includes a corresponding receiver antenna 46 andreceiver module to recapture the audio signals received viacommunication pathways 18, 20 and 32. In addition, base unit 16 includesat least one transmitter to transmit audio information to theearpiece(s) 12A and 12B. In one embodiment, base unit 16 may transmitleft channel stereo information to earpiece 12A and right channel stereoinformation to earpiece 12B. In addition to receiving outgoing voicecommunications, microphone 14 may also receive voice commands that arerecognized and executed by processing modules within the modularheadset. The processing of these commands will be discussed in furtherdetail with reference to FIG. 7.

Wireless headphone(s) may be realized by omitting microphone 14 andincluding either one or both of earpieces 12A and 12B. In thisembodiment, base unit 16 may be a playback device such as a CD player,DVD player, cassette player, etc. operable to stream audio information.If the display of FIG. 2 is utilized as well, both streaming audio andvideo may be enjoyed by the user.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a base unit that supports modular wirelessmultimedia devices. Base unit 16 includes a combination of transmitterand receiver (or transceiver) modules that accept and modulate ordemodulate streamed audio, video, text, or data to and from earpiece(s)12 and microphone 14, display 17 and whiteboard 19 through antenna 46.The base unit may be incorporated within or operably couple to anotherdevice such as a playback device, laptop, cellular telephone, land basedtelephone or other like device known to those skilled in the art. Forexample, one embodiment has transmitter module 40 and receiver module42.

Base unit 16 also includes registration circuit 49 with which to compareregistration information contained in memory available to base unit 16and registration information received from headset 10. Registration mayoccur by physically coupling or docking headset 10 to the base unit ormay occur wirelessly. Registration allows a trusted relationship to beestablished between base unit 16 and headset 10. This relationshipensures privacy and security of communication service by the wirelessconnection between base unit 16 and headset 10. This trustedrelationship utilizes a pass key or other like means of verification toensure that base unit 16 and headset 10 have permission to access oneanother. Once the trusted relationship is established throughregistration, the re-initialization of that relationship is notnecessary in order to service communications between base unit 16 andheadset 10. The registration information to be exchanged and comparedmay include voice patterns, biometric information, user tactile inputsin response to stimuli, password, voice recognized input, audio or videotests, encryption keys, handwriting recognition inputs, third partyverification and testing, proximity information or other likeinformation known to those skilled in the art. This same set ofinformation may also be used in the previously identified paringprocess.

Transmitter module 40 accepts voice communications or unmodulatedstreamed audio, video, data or text from a servicing network or playbackdevice 44 (e.g., DVD player, MP3 player, CD player, cassette player, orother like devices known to those skilled in the art). Playback device44 may be integrated within base unit 16. Transmitter module 40 thenmodulates the streamed audio into low intermediate frequency (IF)signal. In the case where two earpieces are employed, multipletransmitter modules or time separation may be employed to modulate thestreamed audio into low IF signals for the earpieces for each channel(i.e. left and right channels of stereo transmissions. These multiplesignals are synchronized in their presentation to a user. Similarly,receiver module 42 accepts modulated streamed audio, video, data or textfrom multimedia device 10. Receiver module 42 recovers signals from thereceived low IF signals. The recovered signals are then relayed to theservicing network or presentation device 45. Note that the generation oflow IF signals and subsequent demodulation to recapture audio signal maybe done in accordance with a particular wireless communication standard.For example, the Bluetooth specification may be used, IEEE802.11 (a),(b), and/or (g) may also be used, etc. when base unit 16 couples to atelephone network (PSTN, cellular, satellite, WLAN, VOIP, etc.). Baseunit 16 may receive data associated with the command as well. Forexample, caller ID information may be passed to user interface 22 orenhanced call operations may be initiated based on input received at theuser interface.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of earpiece 12. Earpiece 12 includesreceiver module 41, optional user interface 43, processing module 45 andspeaker module 47. Receiver module 40 includes antenna 46, bandpassfilter 48, low noise amplifier 50, down converter 52 and localoscillator 54. User interface 43 can be any combinations of a visualinterface as evidenced by display 22, tactile interface as evidenced bybuttons 26, and/or an audio interface represented by microphone/speakerand may operably couple to processing module 58 to initiate callfunctions or playback functions which will be described further in FIG.10.

Processing module 45 performs data recovery and includes ananalog-to-digital converter (ADC) 56. The processing module alsoincludes pairing circuit 49 and registration circuit 51. Digital channelfilter 60 and demodulator 61 process the recovered signal while setupmodule 76, pairing circuit 49 and registration circuit 51 act toestablish secure, private communications path with trusted devices andthe base units. Speaker module 47 includes a digital-to-analog converter(DAC) 62, variable gain module 64, and at least one speaker 66 to renderrecovered communications.

Once the piconet is configured and trusted relationships areestablished, receiver module 41 receives inbound RF signal 68 from baseunit 16 via antenna 46. Bandpass filter 48 filters the received RFsignal 68 which are subsequently amplified by low noise amplifier 50.Down converter 52 converts the filtered and amplified RF signal 68 intolow intermediate frequency (IF) signal 70 based on a local oscillator54. Low IF signals 70 may have a carrier frequency at DC ranging to afew megahertz.

Processing module 45 receives low IF signals 70 and converts the low IFsignals 70 into digital signals via ADC 56. Processing module 45 may bea single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such aprocessing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digitalsignal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operationalinstructions. The memory (not shown) may be a single memory device or aplurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-onlymemory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory,static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or any device thatstores digital information. Note that when processing module 58implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storingthe corresponding operational instructions is embedded with thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

Digital channel filter 60 receives the digital low IF signals 72 andfilters these signals. Demodulator 61 recovers audio signals 74 from thefiltered low IF signals. Note that the generation of RF signal 68 andsubsequent demodulation to recapture audio signal 74 may be done inaccordance with a particular wireless communication standard. Forexample, the Bluetooth specification may be used; IEEE802.11 (a), (b),and/or (g) may also be used, etc.

Speaker module 47 converts digital audio signal 72 into analog signalsrendered to the user through speakers 66. Adjustable gain module 64adjusts the gain (i.e., adjusts volume), and provides the amplifiedsignals to speaker 66, which produces audible signals 74. As long as thepiconet remains in place between earpiece 12 and base unit 16, earpiece12 will produce audible signals 74 from received inbound RF signal 68.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of microphone 14 that includes audioinput module 80, transmitter module 82 and user interface 101. Audioinput module 80 includes microphone 84, amplifier 86, ADC 88, processingmodule 100 that includes a setup module 92 and modulator 90, and DAC 62.Setup module 92 further includes a pairing circuit and an optionalregistration circuit to establish secure, private communications aspreviously described. User interface 101 can be any combinations of avisual interface as evidenced by display 103, tactile interface asevidenced by buttons 107, and/or an audio interface represented bymicrophone/speaker 109 and may operably couple to processing module 100to initiate call functions which will be described further in FIG. 10.Transmitter module 82 includes up-converter 94, local oscillator 96,power amplifier 97, bandpass filter 98, and antenna 102.

ADC 88 couples to microphone 84 where ADC 88 can produce a digital audiosignal from the analog audio signals captured by the microphone.Multiple CODECs may be used. For example, a voice recognition software(VRS) codec may be used when the ADC operates in a voice command mode.Alternatively, a voice codec that supports voice communications may beused when the ADC is operating in a voice mode. The user may be able toselect in the voice command mode with a one-touch button or other userinterface causing the ADC to utilize a separate codec for the voicecommand mode. ADC 88 may be located either in microphone 14 or withinearpiece 12.

In another embodiment ADC 88 may in fact be two or more ADCs that arecoupled to the microphone transducer. In such a case, the first ADCwould be operable to produce digital audio signals from the analog audiosignals captured by the microphone in accordance with the VRS CODEC. Thesecond ADC operating in parallel with the first supports voicecommunications with a separate voice codec. These ADCs may be containedor coupled to processing module 100.

These voice commands may be used to implement many functions. Thesefunctions may include, but are not limited to, network interfacefunctions, base unit interface functions, directory functions, callerI.D. functions, call waiting functions, call conferencing functions,call initiation functions, device programming functions, and playbackdevice functions. Additionally, the user voice commands may be used toinitiate, validate, and/or authenticate a servicing network and theformation of a trusted relationship between modular components such asmicrophone 14 and earpiece 12.

Once microphone 14 is configured within a piconet, microphone 84 toreceives audio signals 105 and converts these signals to analog signals106. Amplifier 86 amplifies analog audio signals 106 that ADC 88 thenconverts into digital audio signals 108. Modulator 90 modulates thedigital signals based on a predetermined communication standard. Asshown, modulator 90 and setup module 92 are implemented withinprocessing module 100. Processing module 100 may be a single processingdevice or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing devicemay be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memorymay be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note thatwhen processing module 100 implements one or more of its functions via astate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructionsis embedded with the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

Up-converter 94 converts modulated signals 110 into RF signals based onlocal oscillator 96. Power amplifier 97 amplifies these signals whichmay be subsequently processed by bandpass filter 98. The filtered RFsignals are then transmitted via antenna 102 as outbound RF signals 110to base unit 16. As long as the piconet is established to includemicrophone 14 and base unit 16 in a trusted pair, microphone 14 maytransmit to base unit 16 in the manner described.

As shown in both FIGS. 6 and 7, separable connector 112 may physicallyconnect setup modules 76 and 92. Such a physical connection allows forearpiece 12 and microphone 14 to communicate in both directions with thebase unit. For example, if the devices are compliant with one or moreversions of the Bluetooth Specification, base unit 16, functioning asthe master, may issue a registration request to earpiece 12 coupled tomicrophone 14. Upon receiving this request, earpiece 12 and microphone14 respond to the request indicating that RF channel(s) be establishedfor the headset. Based on these responses, the master coordinates theestablishment of the pathways and provides synchronization informationthrough earpiece 12 and microphone 14 via receiver module 40 of earpiece12. Setup modules 76 and 92 coordinate the registration of earpiece 12and microphone 14 with the base unit, pairing of earpiece 12 andmicrophone 14, as well as coordinating timeslot assignments and/or SCOlink assignments. Once the physical connection between earpiece 12 andmicrophone may be severed to establish earpiece 12 and microphone 14 asseparate pieces.

Alternatively, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may each directly couple tothe base unit to accomplish this setup.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate schematic block diagrams of earpiece 12 andmicrophone 14 that include transceiver modules (i.e., receiver modulesand transmitter modules). The use of the transceiver modules allowearpiece 12, microphone 14 and base unit 16 to be physically separatedevices and be configured, paired and registered using wirelesscommunications. As such, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may becontinuously worn on a person for receiving incoming calls and/orplacing outgoing calls.

Earpiece 12, as shown in FIG. 8, includes antenna 46, transmit/receiveswitch 122, receiver module 41, processing module 45, speaker module 47,transmitter module 120, input module 128 and display module 132.Receiver module 41, processing module 45 and speaker module 47 operateas discussed with reference to FIG. 6. Processing module 45 may alsoproduce display information for display module 132. For instance, thereceived RF signal may include information such as caller ID, commandinformation, etc. which is separated by processing module 45 andprovided to display module 132, which may be an LCD display, plasmadisplay, etc.

Input module 128, which may be a keypad, touch screen, voice recognitioncircuit, or other like user interfaces, receives user commands andproduces digital command messages 124 there from. Such digital commandmessages 124 includes, but are not limited to, packet size,synchronization information, frequency hopping initiation information,timeslot allocation information, link establishment information, piconetaddress information, fast-forward, play, pause, volume adjust, record,stop and rewind.

Processing module 45 receives digital command messages 124 and, whenapplicable, processes the command messages. For example, if the commandmessage is with respect to a volume adjust; a graphical representationof adjusting the volume may be presented on display module 132 and thegain of amplifier 64 adjusted to adjust the volume associated withspeaker 66. This command may also initiate pairing and registration.

Transmit module 120 receives digital command messages 124 and convertsthese messages into outbound RF command signals 126, which aresubsequently transmitted to base unit 16 and/or microphone module viaantenna 46. Accordingly, by including transmitter module 120 along withreceiver module 41, earpiece 12 may function as a master and/or slaveand exchange/relay data for other components.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of microphone 14 that includes audioinput module 80, transmitter module 82, transmit receive switch 122,antenna 102, receiver module 132, input module 140 and display module138. Input module 140 is operable to receive user input commands 142,including voice commands and convert these commands into digital commandmessages 144. In the case of voice commands, the combination of audioinput module 80 and input module 140 include one or more ADCs, such aspreviously described ADC 88 operable to processed transduced audiocommunications with a voice CODEC and voice commands with a voicerecognition software (VRS) CODEC.

Input module 140 couples to or includes a user interface that allows auser to initiate call functions or network hardware operations, such aspairing and registration. Network interface functions may include baseunit interface functions, component interface functions, directoryfunctions, caller ID functions, voice activated commands and deviceprogramming functions. This user interface can be any combinations ofvisual interface(s), tactile interface(s), and/or an audio interface(s)that allow the user to input commands 142. Digital command messages 144may be similar to digital command messages 124 and may further includeestablish a call, terminate a call, call waiting, or other likefunctions. Transmitter module 82 converts digital command messages 144into RF command signals 134 that are transmitted via antenna 102.Similarly, inbound RF command signals 135 may be received by receivermodule 132 via antenna 102. Display module 138, which may be a LCDdisplay, plasma display, etc., receives digital command messages 136 andmay display corresponding configuration messages. In addition, anydisplay information received from the host and/or microphone moduleregarding setup, operation, or as part of the data content, may bedisplayed on display module 138.

FIG. 10 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a wireless headsetconstructed according to the present invention in serving voicecommunications while providing call management. The operations describedwith reference to FIG. 10 may be performed whole or in part by anon-chip processor within or coupled to processing modules 58 and 100 ofFIGS. 6 and 7. During normal operations, the wireless headset servicesnormal operations, e.g., single call or device playback. Other modulardevices, such as those of FIG. 2 that couple to the microphone orheadset, may perform these operations. These functions may beimplemented by voice commands recognized by the VRS CODEC as discussedwith reference to FIGS. 7 and 9.

One particular operation that the wireless headset may perform is toplace a call on hold (step 1004). In such case, the wireless headsetceases producing audio input and audio output for the call (step 1006).These operations are continued during a wait state (step 1008) untilnormal operations are resumed for the call (step 1010). From step 1010,operation proceeds to step 1002. The call hold operations of steps1004-1010 may be performed in conjunction with the other operations ofFIG. 10, e.g., call waiting, call muting, call conferencing, etc.

Call conferencing (step 1012) may be initiated by the wireless headsetor by a master device if the wireless headset does not have sufficientuser interface for call conferencing initiation. In such case, a newcall is established by the wireless headset (step 1014). This new callmay be serviced by the additional channels serviced by the wirelessheadset. As was previously described, the wireless headset supportsmultiple channels. Using this multiple channels, the wireless headsetreceives audio input from all participants (step 1016) and combines theaudio input, along with the input generated by the user of the wirelessheadset. The wireless headset then directs the combined audio to allparticipants (their servicing CODECs at step 1020). Note that theseoperations are continually performed for the duration of the conferencecall.

The wireless headset may also mute calls (step 1022). In such case, thewireless headset simply ceases all audio output (1024) and waits for theuser of the wireless headset to cease the muting operations (step 1026).When the muting has been ceased, the wireless headset resumes the audioservicing of the call (step 1028).

The wireless multimedia device also performs call waiting operations(step 1030). In such case, the wireless multimedia device receives anindication that a call is inbound (step 1032). However, instead ofimmediately servicing the call, the wireless multimedia device notifiesthe user of the wireless multimedia device of the call (step 1034),e.g., provides a beeping indication to the user of the wirelessmultimedia device. The wireless multimedia device then services the call(step 1036), at the direction of the user to either complete the call,have the call join a currently serviced call (via call conferencingoperations in some cases), or to ignore the call.

The wireless multimedia device may also perform call forwardingoperations according to the present invention (step 1038). In such case,the wireless multimedia device receives the call (step 1040). However,instead of servicing the call, the wireless multimedia device determinesa forwarding location for the call (step 1042) and then forwards thecall (step 1044). Operation from steps 1010, 1020, 1028, 1036, and 1044return to step 1002.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of modular communication device150, such as a wireless terminal (e.g., cell phone or wireless packetdata phone) that includes host device (base unit) 152, detachablemicrophone 154 and detachable earpiece 156. In this embodiment, modularcommunication device 150 may function as a typical device (e.g.,cellular telephone, CD player, cassette player, etc.) when detachableearpiece 156 and detachable microphone 154 are physically connected tohost device 152. When detachable earpiece 156 is not in physical contactwith host device 152, a wireless connection couples detachable earpiece156 and host device 152. Similarly, when detachable microphone 154 isdetached from host device 152, a second wireless connection couplesdetachable microphone 154 and host device 152. Alternatively, whendetachable earpiece 156 and/or detachable microphone 154 are physicallycoupled to host device 152, they may communicate via a physical orwireless link. At this time, they may be paired and registered as wellto the host device. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate,modular communication device 150 may include multiple detachableearpieces 156. In addition, modular communication device 150 may omitdetachable microphone 154 if host device 152 is a playback type device(e.g., DVD player, CD player, cassette player, etc.). Similarly, modularcommunication device 150 may omit detachable earpiece 156 whenfunctioning as a recording device (e.g., dictaphone). Detachableearpiece 156 and microphone 154 may have on-chip operations to supportcall conferencing, call waiting, flash, and other features associatedwith telephones. These functions may be accessed and reviewed by a userinterface 158 and display 160 within host device 152 or a user interfaceand display located on either detachable earpiece 156 or microphone 154.The user interface and display, located on either the host device ordetachable earpiece 156 and microphone 154 may have a display andbutton(s) that may be used to program device, perform directoryfunctions including selecting number to call, view caller ID, initiatecall waiting, or initiate call conferencing. Additionally, circuitrywithin the earpiece 156 and microphone 154 may enable voice activateddialing. The actual voice recognition could be performed within earpiece156, microphone 154, or host device 152. Thus, earpiece 156 andmicrophone 154 may act to initiate calls and receive calls.

A link between earpiece 156 and microphone 154 would allow earpiece 156and microphone 154 to share resources, such as battery life, and allowearpiece 156 and microphone 154 to be recharged from host device 152.Earpiece/microphone/base portion are included with cell phone battery.Cell phone battery has openings 162 and 164 located therein forstorage/recharging of earpiece 156 and microphone 154. When located inthese openings, the earpiece/microphone will be recharged from the cellphone battery. The new cell phone battery may include base portion RFinterface and interface to cell phone port. Existing cell phone porttechnology could be used to treat the earpiece/microphone in the samemanner as wired earpiece/microphone is treated.

FIG. 12 is a logic flow diagram of a method of servicing voicecommunications between a destination terminal and modular wirelessheadset. During normal operations audio information from the user isreceived through a microphone as described previously with reference tomicrophone 14. This audio information is received in step 200. Aspreviously described, a user may activate a voice command mode with aone-touch button or other like interface known to those having skill inthe art. Thus, at decision point 202 a determination is made as towhether or not a voice command mode is active or selected. If the voicecommand mode is not active normal operations and servicing of the audiocommunications will continue utilizing a voice CODECs in step 204.However, should a voice command mode be activated at decision point 202,ADCs utilizing a VRS CODEC will convert the voice commands, audiocommunications received through the microphone, into digital commands instep 206. These digital commands are used in step 208 to initiatespecific functions such as enhanced call features, equipment features,network functions or other like features.

FIG. 13 provides a second logic flow diagram, however, in this casemultiple ADCs are present wherein each ADC is operable to processreceived audio information. In step 300, audio information is receivedby the multiple ADCs. A first ADC may process the audio information witha VRS CODEC in step 302 then a determination may be made at decisionpoint 304 as to whether or not a voice command is present within theprocessed audio information. If not, the audio information may beprocessed using a voice CODEC in step 306 and the call for other audiocommunications will continue to be normally serviced. Should a voicecommand be present as determined at step 304, the voice command will beconverted into a digital command in step 308, after which the digitalcommand may be initiated in step 310. Although described as occurring inseries in FIG. 13, the processing by the multiple ADCs utilizingmultiple CODECs may occur in parallel.

In summary, the present invention provides a modular headset operable tosupport both voice communications and voice activated commands. This mayinvolve the use of multiple voice CODECs to process voice communicationsand voice activated commands. The modular headset includes both amicrophone and wireless earpiece. The earpiece may further include aninterface, a processing circuit, a speaker, a user interface, a pairingcircuit, and a registration circuit. The interface allows the earpieceto communicate with the base unit that couples the modular headset to aservicing network. One or more analog to digital converters (ADCs),which may be located within either the microphone or earpiece, areoperable to process the transduced voice communications in accordancewith either a voice CODEC and/or voice recognition CODEC depending onthe selected mode of operation or the processing architecture.

As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, the term“substantially” or “approximately”, as may be used herein, provides anindustry-accepted tolerance to its corresponding term. Such anindustry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to twentypercent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values,integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise andfall times, and/or thermal noise. As one of average skill in the artwill further appreciate, the term “operably coupled”, as may be usedherein, includes direct coupling and indirect coupling via anothercomponent, element, circuit, or module where, for indirect coupling, theintervening component, element, circuit, or module does not modify theinformation of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level,and/or power level. As one of average skill in the art will alsoappreciate, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled toanother element by inference) includes direct and indirect couplingbetween two elements in the same manner as “operably coupled”. As one ofaverage skill in the art will further appreciate, the term “comparesfavorably”, as may be used herein, indicates that a comparison betweentwo or more elements, items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

The preceding discussion has presented a modular communication device,modular wireless multimedia device and modular wireless headphones. Byphysically separating the microphone from the earpiece and/or byseparating the earpieces, more discrete components may be produced thatare more comfortable to wear and are less cumbersome to use. As one ofaverage skill in the art will appreciate, other embodiments may bederived from the teaching of the present invention without deviatingfrom the scope of the claims.

1. A modular wireless multimedia device operable to support voicecommunications over at least one servicing network, wherein the modularwireless multimedia device comprises: a wireless earpiece operable toreceive radio frequency (RF) signals and render the received RF signalsaudible, wherein the at least one earpiece further comprises: a firstwireless interface operable to receive and transmit RF signals; a firstprocessing circuit operable to recover a first digital audio signal fromreceived RF signals; a digital to analog converter (DAC) operablycoupled to the wireless interface and first processing circuit, whereinthe DAC is operable to produce analog audio signals from the digitalaudio signals; and a speaker module coupled to the DAC, wherein thespeaker module is operable to render the analog audio signals audible; awireless microphone operable to capture audio signals and convert theaudio signals into transmitted RF signals, wherein the at least onewireless microphone further comprises: a microphone transducer operableto capture audio signals and convert the captured audio signals intoanalog audio signals; an analog to digital converter (ADC) operablycoupled to the microphone transducer, wherein the ADC is operable toproduce digital audio signals from the analog audio signals inaccordance with: a voice recognition software (VRS) coder decoder(CODEC) when the ADC operates in a voice command mode; and a voice CODECoperable to support voice communications when the ADC operates in avoice mode; a second processing circuit operable to produce an RFsignals from the digital audio signal from; and a second wirelessinterface, operably coupled to the second processing circuit, whereinthe second wireless interface is operable to receive and transmit RFsignals; and a processing circuit communicatively coupled to thewireless microphone, wherein the processing circuit is operable toimplement user voice commands.
 2. The modular wireless multimedia deviceof claim 1, wherein the user selects the voice command mode to processuser voice commands.
 3. The modular wireless multimedia device of claim2, wherein the user selects the voice command mode with a one touchbutton.
 4. The modular wireless multimedia device of claim 2, whereinthe user selects the voice command mode with a one touch button.
 5. Themodular wireless multimedia device of claim 2, wherein the ADC islocated within the wireless earpiece communicatively coupled to thewireless microphone.
 6. A modular wireless multimedia device operable tosupport voice communications over at least one servicing network,wherein the modular wireless multimedia device comprises: a wirelessearpiece operable to receive radio frequency (RF) signals and render thereceived RF signals audible, wherein the at least one earpiece furthercomprises: a first wireless interface operable to receive and transmitRF signals; a first processing circuit operable to recover a firstdigital audio signal from received RF signals; a digital to analogconverter (DAC) operably coupled to the wireless interface and firstprocessing circuit, wherein the DAC is operable to produce analog audiosignals from the digital audio signals; and a speaker module coupled tothe DAC, wherein the speaker module is operable to render the analogaudio signals audible; a wireless microphone operable to capture audiosignals and convert the audio signals into transmitted RF signals,wherein the at least one wireless microphone further comprises: amicrophone transducer operable to capture and output audio signals; asecond processing circuit operable to produce an RF signals from theaudio signal; and a second wireless interface, operably coupled to thesecond processing circuit, wherein the second wireless interface isoperable to receive and transmit RF signals; and at least one analog todigital converter (ADC) communicatively coupled to the microphonetransducer, wherein the at least one ADC is operable to produce digitalaudio signals from analog audio signals in accordance with: a voicerecognition software (VRS) coder decoder (CODEC) when the ADC operatesin a voice command mode; and a voice CODEC operable to support voicecommunications when the ADC operates in a voice mode; a processingcircuit communicatively coupled to the wireless microphone, wherein theprocessing circuit is operable to implement user voice commands.
 7. Themodular wireless multimedia device of claim 6, wherein the at least oneADC is located within the wireless earpiece communicatively coupled tothe wireless microphone.
 8. The modular wireless multimedia device ofclaim 6, wherein the at least one ADC further comprises: a first ADCoperable to implement the voice CODEC operable to support voicecommunications; and a second ADC operable to implement the VRS CODECoperable to support the voice command mode.
 9. The modular wirelessmultimedia device of claim 8, wherein: the first ADC is located withinthe wireless microphone; and the second ADC is located within thewireless earphone.
 10. The modular wireless multimedia device of claim8, wherein: the first ADC is located within the wireless microphone; andthe second ADC is located within a base unit of the modular wirelessmultimedia device communicatively coupled to the wireless microphoneand/or wireless earpiece.
 11. The modular wireless multimedia device ofclaim 8, wherein the user selects the voice command mode to process uservoice commands.
 12. The modular wireless multimedia device of claim 11,wherein the user selects the voice command mode with a one touch button.13. The modular wireless multimedia device of claim 12, wherein the userselects the voice command mode with a one touch button.
 14. The modularwireless multimedia device of claim 10, wherein the base unit couplesthe modular wireless multimedia device to a servicing network selectedfrom the group consisting of: cellular network; public switchedtelephone network (PSTN); wide area network (WAN); local area network(LAN); and a wireless local area network (WLAN).
 15. The modularmultimedia device of claim 10, wherein the modular multimedia device isoperable to switch servicing networks while servicing a voicecommunication.
 16. The modular wireless multimedia device of claim 10,wherein the voice commands implement at least one function selected fromthe group consisting of: network interface functions; base unitinterface functions; directory functions; caller ID functions; voiceactivated commands; call waiting functions; call conferencing functions;call initiation functions; and device programming functions.
 17. Themodular multimedia device of claim 10, wherein the user voice commandsare operable to validate and/or authenticate a servicing network.
 18. Amethod to service voice communications between a servicing network and amodular wireless multimedia device, wherein the method comprises:receiving inbound radio frequency (RF) signals from a base unit with atleast one wireless earpiece, wherein the inbound RF signals containinbound digital voice communications; converting the inbound digitalvoice communications into inbound analog voice communications; renderingthe inbound analog voice communications audible with the at least onewireless earpiece; capturing user voice commands, while operating in avoice command mode, with at least one wireless microphone wherein theuser voice commands are processed with voice recognition software (VRS)coder decoder (CODEC); converting user voice commands into digitalcommands; capturing outbound voice communications with the at least onewireless microphone wherein the voice communications are processed witha voice CODEC; converting the captured outbound voice communicationsinto outbound digital voice communications; converting the outbounddigital voice communications into outbound digital RF signals to betransmitted from the at least one wireless microphone to the base unit;and initiating enhanced call functions based on the digital commands.19. The method of claim 18, further comprising coupling the modularwireless multimedia device to the servicing network selected from thegroup consisting of: cellular network; public switched telephone network(PSTN); wide area network (WAN); local area network (LAN); and awireless local area network (WLAN).
 20. The method of claim 18, whereinthe modular multimedia device is operable to switch servicing networkswhile servicing a voice communication.
 21. The method of claim 18,wherein the enhanced call functions comprise at least one functionselected from the group consisting of: network interface functions; baseunit interface functions; directory functions; caller ID functions;voice activated commands; call waiting functions; call conferencingfunctions; call initiation functions; and device programming functions.22. The method of claim 18, wherein a tactile interface initiates avoice command mode operable to capture and process user voice commands.23. The method of claim 22, wherein the tactile interface comprisesone-touch buttons.
 24. The method of claim 18, wherein: a VRS circuitcommunicatively coupled to the wireless microphone implements the VRSCODEC; and a voice processing circuit communicatively coupled to thewireless microphone implements the voice CODEC.
 25. The method of claim24, wherein the VRS circuit wherein: the voice processing circuit islocated within the wireless microphone; and the VRS circuit is locatedwithin the wireless earphone.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein theVRS circuit, wherein: the voice processing circuit is located within thewireless microphone; and the VRS circuit is located within a base unitof the modular wireless multimedia device communicatively coupled to thewireless microphone and/or wireless earpiece.